Planning a Trek in Chiang Rai
Most of the hill-tribe villages within close range of Chiang Rai have long ago been set up for routine visits by group tours; a clear example is the “Union of Hilltribe Villages,” located north of the Chiang Rai airport, where members of various tribes are herded together for the convenience of tourists. The vibe in such villages is more like a human zoo than an insight into a disappearing lifestyle.
That being said, there are ethical ways to experience the diversity of the hill tribe cultures, like joining the Population and Community Development Association (www.pdacr.com; tel. 05374-0088) for authentic hill-tribe encounters. A professional and experienced organization it offers an array of tours with particular attention given to ethical interactions with hill-tribe people. Longer treks are a two- to three-day sojourns with overnight stays with Akha and Lahu tribes. PDA offers tours where tribal people participate in the tourism by offering guided tours instead of simply watching Westerns walk around their village. Half-day tours, sightseeing trips, and day trips to Myanmar and Laos are also on the menu.
That being said, there are ethical ways to experience the diversity of the hill tribe cultures, like joining the Population and Community Development Association (www.pdacr.com; tel. 05374-0088) for authentic hill-tribe encounters. A professional and experienced organization it offers an array of tours with particular attention given to ethical interactions with hill-tribe people. Longer treks are a two- to three-day sojourns with overnight stays with Akha and Lahu tribes. PDA offers tours where tribal people participate in the tourism by offering guided tours instead of simply watching Westerns walk around their village. Half-day tours, sightseeing trips, and day trips to Myanmar and Laos are also on the menu.
